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ADHD in the News - February 14, 2013

A weekly news digest** from the National Resource Center on ADHD: A Program of CHADD

ADHD Treatments Not Working for Most Young Children (HealthDay News, February 11, 2013)

"Most young children being treated for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD ) -- either with or without medication -- still have serious symptoms of their condition, according to a new long-term study. The neurobehavioral disorder interferes with the ability to concentrate. ADHD also causes restlessness, hyperactivity and impulsive behavior, which can have lasting effects on children's intellectual and emotional development..." Full Story

Young Kids with ADHD May Benefit Little From Drug Therapy (PsychCentral, February 12, 2013)

"A massive federally funded multi-center study finds that many young children diagnosed with moderate to severe attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder continue to struggle for years - despite drug treatment. Investigators at Johns Hopkins Children's Center report that nine out of 10 young children with moderate to severe attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) continue to experience serious, often severe symptoms and impairment long after their original diagnoses and, in many cases, despite treatment..." Full Story

"A new study published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry revealed a significantly higher prevalence of substance abuse and cigarette use by adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) histories than in those without ADHD. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and six other health centers across the United States also found that, contrary to previous findings, current medications for ADHD do not counter the risk for substance abuse and substance use disorder (SUD) among teenagers..." Full Story

Long-term Course of ADHD Diagnosed in Preschool Years Can be Chronic and Severe (NIMH Science News, February 12, 2013)

"Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) that is first diagnosed in the preschool years tends to be chronic and severe, but each child's course of illness is different, according to long-term follow-up data from the NIMH-funded Preschool ADHD Treatment Study (PATS). The study was published online February 11, 2013, in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry..." Full Story

"Like any other medication, drugs used to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder can be abused. A story in last Sunday's New York Times showed the potentially tragic consequences of such abuse, and revealed some of the systemic factors that enabled it...In light of the story, I called Elliott and several other ADHD specialists this week, including two with whom I just finished writing a book about adult ADHD. These are their thoughts about The New York Times story and ADHD medications in general..." Full Story

"Researchers exploring a possible link between chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) say fatigue may be an important symptom of adult ADHD, and that people with ME/CFS or other types of persistent fatigue should be looked at for ADHD. Their new study looked at three cases of ME/CFS in people who'd responded poorly to treatment..." Full Story

ADHD patients benefit from nutrients (PhysBizTech, February 11, 2013)

"Nutritional deficiencies have been linked to adverse neuronal functions and neuronal plasticity in patients with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). What's more, researchers from the Riordan Clinic identified behavioral impacts as a possible result of the deficits. The latest study attributes shortages of fatty acids (EPA, DHA), methionine, zinc and selenium to metabolic difficulties and emotional strain in those aged two to 25 years old with ADHD..." Full Story

ADHD Hyperfocus: The Secret to Finding the Perfect Job? (PsychCentral, February 8, 2013)

"Are you feeling stuck in a job you can't stand? Workplace woes are common amongst those of us with ADHD. Having a great workplace fit is so important it's considered key to managing ADHD symptoms. But how do you find that just-right job for you? Hyperfocus could be a key to finding an occupation you're passionate about, that will hold your interest, and that you can excel in..." Full Story